8 Best Places to Visit in Ecuador for First Timers
For a small country, Ecuador has a lot to offer. Explore with us the best places to visit in Ecuador that must be on your travel itinerary. What to see and do in Ecuador, and what are the top-rated destinations? We've got you covered.
When people ask us what country in South America is best to visit, we often recommend them Ecuador. In our opinion, Ecuador is the dark horse of the continent.
The country's size is decent, making getting around easier, must-visit places are often only a few hours away from each other, and the diversity of top attractions is simply breathtaking.
Jungles, Incan ruins, Amazon, mountains and volcanoes, bustling cities, indigenous market towns, cloud forests, hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife, blue lagoons, colonial architecture, paramo ecosystem and much more.
As you can see, Ecuador offers a wide array of experiences, and we are sure we haven't mentioned everything you can look forward to.
It is a paradise for families with kids, outdoor lovers, passionate photographers, and travelers who like to take it slowly. There are definitely many lodges in remote areas where you can totally unwind.
We feel that long-term travelers discovered Ecuador quite a long time ago, but vacationers are often attracted by more renowned countries such as Peru or Colombia.
In this travel guide, we would like to inspire you to visit Ecuador.
That's why we've handpicked the 8 best places to visit in Ecuador you can't miss. It includes our tips on what to see in Ecuador and what we consider to be things you definitely should have on your itinerary.
8 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ECUADOR
You may ask what our criteria for selecting places on our list were. Simply, we've put together places that have the potential to make it to every Ecuador travel itinerary, and they offer a bit of everything - cities, nature, relaxation, and adventure.
It is also important to say that we spent one month in Ecuador, but it was only one stop on our year-long South America and Central America adventure.
This is why we, for example, did not visit the Amazon in Ecuador as we had planned to go camping in the Peruvian jungle.
Had we visited Amazon here, we are pretty confident it would have made it to this top 8 list.
Consider this travel guide as a guideline, get inspired, and feel free to add to your list of must-visit places in Ecuador other sites that you find attractive and worth the visit.
Let us know in the comment section down below if we missed a place you particularly liked in this country.
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
There's probably not a traveler who's never heard about the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador's most sought-after destination is actually not located on the mainland but a few thousand kilometers from the shores.
For us, this famous archipelago was a dream destination, and we are very grateful that we could include this place in our itinerary.
Galapagos Islands are completely different from any other places we've ever visited.
The most compelling reasons to visit the Galapagos Islands is the unique combination of the volcanic landscape, the sheer vastness of the Pacific Ocean, and the incredible number of animal species that attract visitors from all around the world.
Let's put this straight. Galapagos Islands are, for sure, not a cheap destination.
But after we spent one week cruising the Galapagos archipelago, we can say that the experience is worth every cent.
In case you prefer freedom and travel on a budget, it is also possible to visit Galapagos independently, do island hopping, and visit individual sites on day-trips.
We really think it is worth figuring out how to visit the Galapagos on your Ecuador trip.
On the other hand, we feel it would be a shame to travel only to the Galapagos and not give Ecuador's mainland a chance to impress you, and we hope that in the text below, we'll ignite your passion for the entire country.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Santa Cruz Island: Finch Bay Galapagos | San Cristobal Island: Hostal Cattleya | Floreana Island: Hostal Santa Maria | Isabela Island: El Rincon de George
For more information, read this more detailed post dedicated to where to stay in Galapagos Islands.
QUILOTOA LOOP TREK
Hadn't it been for the Galapagos, Quilotoa Loop would have been on the top position of our list of best places in Ecuador. But you know what? We can easily say that hiking the Quilotoa Loop ties for the first position.
This ring-shaped trail connects remote villages in the high Andes, but most importantly, it walked us through the very photogenic countryside, and the cherry on the top was Quilotoa Lagoon.
This volcano crater filled with dark blue-green water sits almost 4000 meters above sea level, and you should definitely acclimatize at least a day or two before the hike.
Many travelers think that hiking a multi-day trek does not fit in their packed itinerary, but we disagree. First of all, it only depends on your determination and pace.
One of the things to know about Quilotoa Loop is that you can easily finish the trek in two days, even though we opted for a more laidback, three-day alternative.
If you are not an avid hiker or walking with a heavy backpack on your back is simply not your thing, no worries.
It is possible to visit Quilotoa Lagoon by bus from either Quito or Latacunga, which is for many the base before and after visiting this wonderful natural site.
Latacunga is a traditional market city, and visiting Quilotoa is actually one of the best things to do in Latacunga as the city itself does not offer that many attractions.
When in the area, you can also consider adding to your bucket list Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi volcano can even be seen from Latacunga on a clear day!
WHERE TO STAY ON QUILOTOA LOOP
Latacunga: Hotel Endamo | Isinlivi: Hostal Taita Cristobal | Chugchilan: Hostal Cloud Forest | Quilotoa: Hostal Chukirawa
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
CUENCA
Cuenca is the third-largest city in Ecuador, but it definitely does not feel this way. It was our favorite city in the country, and we are pretty confident you will have a very similar experience as we did.
Cuenca is a super-photogenic colonial city, that must be said, so have your camera ready in hand.
The historical center has a small-town feel, and we had a blast walking its pedestrian-friendly and clean streets, admiring the whitewashed buildings that reflect the Spanish influence and simply enjoying the atmosphere.
It is also necessary to say that Cuenca is listed in UNESCO, that's why our expectations were quite high.
The top sights you should not miss in Cuenca are the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which belongs among the largest cathedrals in South America; or a pleasant plaza where you can watch life go by called Parque Abdon Calderon.
We can also recommend you to take a leisure stroll along Tomebamba River, and we also enjoyed the visit of a local market.
Cuenca is very picturesque, especially during sunset, so one of the best things you can do is book a room in a hotel with a rooftop terrace and watch the magical moments before getting to bed.
Another reason why we've listed Cuenca among the best places to visit in Ecuador is the number of activities you can do in the surroundings.
We made two one-day trips from Cuenca. The first led us to famous Incan ruins called Ingapirca. Even though it would be really unfair to compare Ingapirca with Machu Picchu, it was still an interesting site.
Then our footsteps led to a hiking paradise, the Cajas National Park.
It is still a very underrated destination, but we loved the views, narrow hiking trails, paramo ecosystem, and most importantly, we met only a few hikers during the day here.
WHERE TO STAY IN CUENCA
Budget: Selina Cuenca | Mid-range: Hostal Mariscal Inn & Suites | Luxury: Mansion Alcazar
MINDO
Mindo is a special place. It is not far from the capital city Quito, but it definitely promises a completely different experience.
As a small village, Mindo is actually not that interesting, but travelers flock here because of the cloud forest and plenty of things to do, and fun activities.
Simply put, Mindo is one of the top places in Ecuador where you can see the real cloud forest.
When we left Quito, it actually did not take long, and we could immediately see the change in landscape; lush green vegetation and clouds rolling over.
It was a proper welcome, and we immediately knew we are going to like it here. Mindo is a paradise for bird lovers, travelers who like to search for wildlife, and photographers alike.
In short, there are plenty of things to do in Mindo.
Luckily, the number of trails offer plenty of opportunities to spot a toucan or hummingbirds. Of course, in most cases, you can wander around on your own, but if you want to experience something special, we recommend taking a guided tour.
We have opted for a night walk in the forest, and it was super-interesting. It was a bit scary because the woods around Mindo really get alive after the dark, but we were also lucky to see many species.
Another must-do attraction is Tarabita Cable Car, which is only a few kilometers from Mindo and will take you to the other side of the valley, where you can explore several waterfalls.
Mindo is also a famous destination for chocolate tasting and learning about the process that starts with cocoa beans and ends with a chocolate bar in your purse.
Cloud forests also offer visitors many adrenaline activities as they use rivers and trees to the full potential. Some of the activities you can plan for Mindo are zip-lining, rafting, or tubing.
As you can see, Mindo certainly deserves attention, and it should not miss on your Ecuador itinerary.
WHERE TO STAY IN MINDO
Budget: Cinnamon House | Mid-range: Hosteria Saguamby Mindo | Luxury: Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa
OTAVALO
Nowadays, you cannot see that often indigenous cities, especially when the city's population is around 40 000 people. But visiting Otavalo was like stepping back in time.
The streets were full of Otavalos, indigenous inhabitants, who still respect their ancestors' customs and traditions.
Sure, not all people living in the city wear traditional dress, braided hair, and hats, but definitely, plenty of them still do. Otavalo was the first city we visited in Ecuador after crossing borders from Colombia, and it quickly became one of our favorites.
Otavalo is famous for traditional markets that attract both locals and international visitors.
To be completely honest, we did not find the market itself that awesome, but we definitely enjoyed the opportunity to take in the relaxed atmosphere in the city.
Another reason to visit Otavalo, except for exploring the market, is the location.
The city offers wonderful scenery, and one of the best things you can do is make a day-trip to Cuicocha Lake, which is absolutely stunning.
In case you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center, consider visiting Peguche Waterfall, that is on the outskirt of Otavalo.
WHERE TO STAY IN OTAVALO
Budget: Hostal La Rosa Otavalo | Mid-range: Hotel El Indio Inn | Luxury: Doña Esther Otavalo
QUITO
Quito, Ecuador's capital, does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety. But don't let this reputation put you off visiting.
We think that if you follow the traditional safety routine that consists of keeping an eye on your valuables, especially in crowded areas and on a bus, and you won't be wandering around the city after dark, your chances to enjoy Quito are high.
For us, visiting Quito was as natural as exploring any other capital city in any other country.
During our travels, we've noticed that the capital city is always a bit different - people, atmosphere, architecture, the pace of life, all of that creates a country within a country.
Quito sits 2800 meters above sea level, which can actually leave you breathtaking right after your arrival.
But there are many more reasons why we think Quito is one of the best places you should visit in Ecuador.
Quito's Old Town is exceptionally well-preserved; it has beautiful colonial architecture, many photogenic churches, and it actually feels far away from the busy streets.
Another site you cannot miss is La Ronda Street that is lined with 19th-century houses, and you can even feel why this part of the city was well-known among artists such as writers and poets.
There's probably not a more iconic photo from Quito than the one from Basilico del Voto Nacional. You can climb to the roof and enjoy the perfect views of the city.
To see Quito from above, the TeleferiQo cable car will take you to 4000 meters.
Quito really surprised us in a positive sense of the word, and even on a rainy day we could choose from several museums. We have opted for Guayasamin Museum.
Ecuador’s capital is a big city, and one of its must-see places lies about 20 kilometers outside the center.
It is Mitad del Mundo, an attraction where you can see the Monument to the Equator and even an equatorial line that separates the Northern and Southern hemispheres. This site should be high on your bucket list.
The only disadvantage of Quito is that it is really spread, but the historic city is compact. You'll notice that only when visiting places outside the old town, or when getting to either airport or bus terminal.
One of the things you should know before visiting Ecuador is that Quito has two main bus terminals, north, and south, and you should know from which one the bus to your next destination leaves as it takes a lot of time to get from one to another.
WHERE TO STAY IN QUITO
Budget: Hostal Juana de Arco | Mid-range: Hotel Reina Isabel | Luxury: La Casona de la Ronda Hotel
BAÑOS DE AGUA SANTA
Baños that literally in English means bath, is another Ecuador's destination you should not skip. The town is nestled among lush green hills, close to snow-capped volcanoes, rapid rivers, and hot springs.
Every year, it is the location that persuades thousands of adventure travelers to arrive here and have some fun.
Baños is a prototype of a backpacker's town, with plenty of cheaper eateries, reasonably priced hostels, and tour agencies on every corner.
And most importantly, there are so many fun things to do in Baños.
Still, it feels very relaxed, and even if you do not consider yourself a backpacker, you will find here services that match your needs.
Baños got its name after several springs bubbling out of the ground, and hot springs are actually one of the main reasons to travel here.
We spent one relaxing afternoon in hot springs, but it was not our favorite activity.
Actually, we are not sure whether our favorite activity was biking Ruta de las Cascadas or hiking to Casa del Arbol, which is one of the best-rated spots in Baños because of the famous tree swing that offers an amazing photo opportunity.
Overall, the area is rich in waterfalls, hiking and biking trails, and it does not come as a surprise that activities such as zip-lining or canyoning are available here.
If you plan on visiting Amazon in Ecuador, you can base yourself in Baños as many companies use this town as the starting point for a jungle trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN BANOS
Budget: Hostal D'Mathias | Mid-range: Selina Baños | Luxury: Sangay Spa Hotel
CHIMBORAZO NATIONAL PARK
If there's an adventure we'll never forget, it is surely the time when we biked down Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest mountain.
This 6263 meters high volcano is towering above the city of Riobamba, where you can easily spend a couple of days; just make sure you'll spice up your travels and visit Chimborazo National Park at least for a day.
Of course, biking is not your only option.
You can drive up to 4850 meters above sea level by car, hike in the park, and if you are experienced enough, you can even climb to the top!
But this time, we just felt that biking would be the best option - it sounded great that we would ride more than 30 kilometers downhill. We just had to rely on our brakes and skills.
The scenery in the national park is wonderful, and it is cool to watch how the flora changes when descending from 4850 meters to 3100 meters.
If you are looking for something a bit different, an activity that combines the beautiful scenery and a bit of sport, we can only recommend this one. It is not an expensive activity, and it is definitely worth it.
WHERE TO STAY IN RIOBAMBA
Budget: Villa Bonita | Mid-range: Mirador de Bellavista Riobamba | Luxury: Mansion Santa Isabella
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
